The Ekiti Chief Judge, Justice John Adeyeye, has urged women lawyers to make use of existing laws to help reduce the stigmatization of people with mental illness.

Justice Adeyeye, represented by Justice Blessing Ajileye, a Judge of the High Court made the call in Ado Ekiti at the commemoration of World Mental Health Day organized by the State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers in collaboration with  Hope Initiative for mental wellness and anti-drug society.

World Mental day is celebrated annually on Oct 10, to raise awareness of mental health around the world, and to mobilize efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.

The 2022 theme is “Make Mental Health and Well-being for All a Global Priority”.

”I call on female Lawyers in the state to use the instrumentality of existing laws against people perpetrating anti-social behaviors against those suffering from mental illness in the society.

”I also call on Nigerians to pay passionate attention to their mental health and well-being so as to enjoy every stage of their moment in life,” he said.

Presenting a lecture on the occasion, Dr. Adedotun Ajiboye, a Clinical Psychologist with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital said those affected by mental illness should not be stigmatized.

Ajiboye specifically recommended regular exercise and eating a balanced diet to reduce the tendency of being depressed.

“Doing things in excess is dangerous which on many occasions leads to mental illness. Don’t allow yourself or anybody to go into depression, share your problems with those you can trust, and come to the hospital for regular checks.

”Whatever is happening to you does not matter but the way you handle them matters,” he added

Earlier in a remark, the State Chairperson, of the Federation of Women lawyers, Mrs. Oyinade Olatunbosun noted that a lot of people committing suicide was a result of frustration that was not properly managed.

“Sometimes what we need is the right environment and not drugs to enhance wellness so that we can live the life we want.” Olatunbosun said.

In another message, the President of the Customary Court of the state judiciary, Justice Kola Orejimi who was represented by Mr. Kayode Kolawole called on the government to treat mental health illness as an essential part of primary health care.